Air New Zealand came second in the ‘Best Airline in the World’ category, with Emirates placing third.
Singapore Airlines’ CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong said: “We are honoured to be this year’s recipient of the Best Airline in the World title in the prestigious TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for Airlines 2018. The award is a validation of the hard work and dedication of our thousands of staff all around the world, who focus their attention every day on ensuring that Singapore Airlines remains competitive on a global level.”
“Our business model is based around three main pillars – product leadership, service excellence and network connectivity. We are continuing to invest heavily in all three areas to ensure we have industry-leading offerings that meet and exceed our customers’ expectations, both on the ground and in the air.”
Emirates also placed top of the board in the Regional Airline – Middle East category.
Enda Corneille, Country Manager for Emirates in Ireland said: “It’s a great honour to be recognised by international travellers for the consistently high standard of service and product that we offer as we connect customers to amazing destinations across the globe.”
Jet2.com was the only UK and European airline to be recognised as one of the Top 10 Airlines in the World – coming seventh in the prestigious list.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “We are extremely proud to have received these four prestigious accolades from TripAdvisor, which show that Jet2.com is a world class performer when it comes to delivering the best customer experience. We have been beating the competition to win prestigious awards in the UK for some time, and now we are taking that success onto a global stage. The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards for airlines are based on the experiences of paying customers, which makes them truly representative and all the more rewarding to receive as a result.
“The four awards are yet another endorsement of our commitment to delivering the best experience for our customers. Our family friendly formula, low fares, brand new aircraft and generous 22kg baggage allowance are very clearly working with customers, and all of that is complemented by the brilliant Jet2.com team who work tirelessly every day to look after our customers.”
Air New Zealand was also once again recognised at the second annual 2018 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, with significant wins across multiple categories.
The airline has been ranked second of all airlines globally as well as taking out Best Airline in the South Pacific, while its Premium Economy Class product won Best Premium Economy Class in the World for the second consecutive year.
Air New Zealand was also awarded top honours for in the ‘Best Business Class in the South Pacific’, ‘Best Premium Economy Class in the South Pacific’ and ‘Best Economy Class in the South Pacific’ categories.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural Travellers’ Choice awards for airlines, the 2018 award categories expanded to honour 69 airlines that provide exceptional value and service across the world.
In addition to the world list, the Traveller’s Choice awards recognise the best airlines in seven regions including Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, South Pacific & Oceana, Africa & Indian Ocean, and the Middle East.
The awards also recognise the top airlines in four distinct service classes: International First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy. The hallmarks of Travellers’ Choice award winners are outstanding service, quality and value.
Top 10 Airlines in the World:
Recognising airlines around the world that deliver consistently exceptional experiences to the global traveller.
1. Singapore Airlines, Singapore
According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: “I flew from Sydney to Singapore in business class. The food was the best I have had in the last ten years. Service was great and the staff actually wanted to be there. One of the best, if not the best airline.”
2. Air New Zealand, New Zealand
According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: “The flight attendants are friendly, courteous, professional, and dedicated to customer service. The dinner was excellent, even in Economy class, and there was complimentary NZ red and white wine. Even the safety videos are entertaining. I wouldn’t fly any other airline between the U.S. and New Zealand.”
3. Emirates, United Arab Emirates
According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: “This airline is the essence of style, class and comfort. Everything I had expected was surpassed. From their presentation, to their service, which is professional, but does not override their personable approach to travellers. The Airbus is huge, but the atmosphere within is comfortable, seats are wider, windows are bigger.”
4. Japan Airlines, Japan
According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: “This airline carrier is exquisite and features great on board meal service, drink service, and the entertainment is great. They provide excellent service with exceptional leg room. This airline is truly above most others and comes with outstanding crew members.”
5. EVA Air, Taiwan
According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: “One of the things that separates EVA out from other airlines is in the little things. I was blown away by the novelty of the “Character” flight we took. Everything from the pillows to the meals – it was Hello Kitty cuteness overload. Kids’ meals are excellent. These small personal touches made our entire flight experience so much nicer!”
6. Southwest Airlines, United States
According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: “We choose to fly Southwest whenever we can. Their flights are on time and the service is friendly and efficient. We don’t mind not having assigned seats. Bags fly free, and we always check ours. Frequent Flier miles are easy to accumulate with their membership program.”
7. Jet2.com, United Kingdom
According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: “We have just come back from Portugal and all I can say is what a fab service from jet2. From start to finish, they made my holiday less stressful. I have never been with them before and can certainly say they’re better than most other companies I have been with.”
8. Qatar Airways, Qatar
According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: “I’ve traveled a lot in my life and Qatar is one of my favourite airlines to travel with. The bar in a380 (business class) is the best. The service regardless of class is fab. The treatment of frequent fliers is great… food very tasty for economy … and very big portions… Entertainment is top notch. They are one of my favourite airlines for eco travel.”
9. Azul, Brazil
According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: “Azul is a lovely airline, employing a fleet of Embraer regional jets offering 2 + 2 seating. Service is efficient and you always get a package of “aviõezinhos” (airplane shaped gummy bears) to chew on the short domestic hops.”
10. Korean Air, South Korea
According to a TripAdvisor reviewer: “We traveled from Chicago to Hong Kong with our toddler, and could not have been more pleased with the experience. Basic economy on KA is basically economy plus on other (especially US-based) airlines. The flight staff actually made me like the experience, rather than detract from it. I’ll be flying KA whenever possible in the future.”
Class of Service Global Winners:
Recognising airlines around the world that provide a consistently exceptional passenger experience in each cabin
Best First Class: Singapore Airlines, Singapore
Best Business Class: Qatar Airways, Qatar
Best Premium Economy: Air New Zealand, New Zealand
Best Economy: Singapore Airlines, Singapore
The awards are based on the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for airlines worldwide gathered over a 12-month period. This is the second time that the world’s largest travel planning and booking site has held its prestigious Travellers’ Choice awards for the airline industry.
For the complete list of winners from the 2018 Travellers’ Choice awards for airlines, visit tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Airlines.
